In the Round of 16, Arsenal could face a tough bracket.

Arsenal could be set for a major test in the Champions League Round of 16, with the draw potentially matching them against Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen, opening up a path filled with obstacles.

Arsenal risks drawing a difficult opponent in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. when the draw takes place on Friday. The Premier League leaders will face one of two formidable opponents: Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen.

Atalanta currently sits seventh in Serie A but is only narrowly outside the European qualification spots. The Italian side recently impressed by eliminating Borussia Dortmund with a 4-3 aggregate score, including a convincing 4-1 victory. Their recent form has also been stable, with four wins in their last five matches. This clearly represents a major challenge for Mikel Arteta's team if the two sides meet.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen is ranked sixth in the Bundesliga and still has a chance to compete for a Champions League spot next season. Despite only drawing 0-0 with Olympiacos in the second leg, the German side advanced thanks to a 2-0 aggregate victory. Leverkusen possesses a disciplined, fast-paced style of play and is particularly dangerous in transition moments.

The challenges for Arsenal may not end with the Round of 16; the path ahead could become even more arduous. If placed in the difficult half of the draw, they could potentially face giants like Real Madrid or Manchester City. Conversely, the other half of the draw might offer a chance to meet Sporting CP or Bodo/Glimt, though every scenario carries its own risks.

Notably, six English representatives are in the Round of 16: Newcastle United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. This raises the possibility of an all-English final, although powerhouses like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will certainly aim to remain in contention.

The first legs of the Round of 16 are scheduled for March 10-11, with the second legs on March 17-18. With ambitions to conquer Europe, Arsenal must maximize their home advantage and avoid the smallest mistakes if they wish to progress deep in this prestigious competition.